BEF rearguard action at De Moeren/Bulskamp (May 29th till May 31st 1940)

I just came back from a lovely walk in De Moeren with my wife during which we surveyed all the farmhouses in the neighbourhood of St. Charles. I am sorry to report, that none of the sites identified fitted any of the descriptions in the accounts from 'Return via Dunkirk' or Ralph Wild's personal memoirs. Unfortunately, I came back none the wiser

This was, however, as I explained in my earlier post, to be expected. Yet, to quote Captain Austin: "Indeed, in this area the entire six Troops of the Regiment were in barns and farmhouses, the only cover available." It is therefore safe to assume that all the farmhouses were occupied by the 92/Field Regiment's personnel. I have a pretty good idea as to the BCPs, but nothing specific so far as to the location of the RHQ. Don't worry though, I haven't given up just yet.

In the meantime I discovered, much to my own surprise, that that men of the 92/Field Regiment were not the first British military presence recorded in the vicinity of St. Charles.



The picture (slightly off-topic but I couldn't resist sharing it with you) was presumable taken in late 1917 and shows RNAS-personnel alongside the wreck of what I would identify as the wreckage of a Sopwith Camel.
Three guesses as to the windmill on the background

Kind Regards,
Christian

 

A valiant effort nonetheless and, as you say, to be expected given everything that happened in the area.

St Charles soldiers on, though, despite everything thrown at it.

(By the way, many apologies that I have referred a couple of times in your thread to Gun Buster being Captain G. B. Aris. You are, of course, correct, Gun Buster was Captain Austin. I got mixed up as, whilst Aris was also an author, he, in fact, wrote both the Regiment’s history and that of the 5th Division. I have amended my previous posts accordingly to correct my rather stupid error. )

 

Martin- is the Aris Regimental history still in print/available?
I ask because 92nd Rgt was closely related to my father's TA unit 140 (5th London) Field Rgt which I've been researching over the last few years.
140th (5th London) Army Field Regiment, Royal Artillery – Their story between the 10th and 31st May 1940

 

Hi mate.

The book is probably out there somewhere, but bloody hard to find on a general sale basis and, if you do find it, probably not cheap.

For example, this copy was found on sale by member “celebman” for £46, but by the time I looked it was, unfortunately, no longer available:

The 'Ninety-Second' Aris George Military | Barnebys

However, the IWM do have it in their archives:

The 'Ninety-second' a short outline history of the 92nd Field Regiment, R.A. during the war of 1939-1945

They told me that I could apply to see the book by visiting their rooms in London and gave me this link:

Research Room

Their customer services lady added that she suspected it wasn’t “generally available” as it was published in 1946 by the “92 Club” (although, as seen above, there are copies around, albeit rare) and suggested that maybe a copy might be available via the RA regimental association. I confess that I have so far neither visited IWM nor queried the RA Association.

It is also available, I believe, from “The Keep” in Brighton, East Sussex:

https://www.thekeep.info

'The Ninety-Second; a short outline of the 92nd Field Regiment, RA, during the war of 1939-1945', by Liet-Col George Aris | The National Archives

Their reference number for the book is PAR542/26/1/1. They told me I could visit there and use one of their Bookeye scanners to copy it myself but, like the IWM, I’ve not done so:

https://www.thekeep.info/services/self-service-copying/

They did also offer to digitise it for me but they quoted me just, gulp, £164 for the privilege (and that was the price in 2018!) - I politely declined! Shame as I’d love to read it, although it is not a very long book, just 108 pages or so.

I have PM’d you the regiment’s full DRAMA report by the way - not the Aris history, but you may find it interesting, although it would be easier reading if they used properly spaced paragraphs.

Interesting photo here too, which you’ve probably seen:

https://www.bridgemanimages.com/en-...illing-in-kennington/photograph/asset/5140420

Thank you for the link by the way, John, I shall give that a read. I wonder if any of the men in my first two photographs subsequently became members of the 140th when it was formed…

 

Dear friends;

When I wrote earlier that I came back from my little stroll none the wiser, this was not entirely correct. Though I did not come up with solid evidence, I did however gain valuable insight. I now am absolutely certain of one thing: when he deployed his regiment, Lt Col Wood did not choose the grounds around the St. Charles windmill by chance. Clearly, the man knew what he was doing!



1) From this location, both his batteries were able to cover almost the entire corridor through which the German forces (56.ID and 216.ID) were expected to advance. Hence, his batteries could very effectively provide supporting fire to most British battalions entrenched behind the Bergues-Furnes canal between Furnes and Bulskamp. To provide fire support further south, in the area around Houthem bridge (beyond visual sight) I’d expect things would have been a little more challenging.

2) In terms of Force Protection, the grounds in front of the batteries, behind the Bergues-Furnes canal and the Ringsloot would be (relatively) easily to defend. There was almost no cover that an attacking force could use, whereas his men could use several farmhouses as shelter.



3) The site is situated next to the main route leading (almost literally) straight to Adinkerke (and the Dunkirk-Furnes canal) - a mere five minute drive! This would have allowed the regiment quick egress. Of course, by the same token, it would have been major disaster if the Germans had been able to take control of this road... De Panne (were the BEF's HQ was located) is just a couple of miles further north of Adinkerke.



4) The St. Charles windmill must have been both a blessing and a curse: though the perfect OP, it's hardly inconspicuous. No wonder it drew so much enemy fire!

In short, from a tactical perspective, there was no better location possible. I’d expect Lt Col Wood’s main concern would have been being paid an untimely visit by a Staffel of Stukas (several Belgian artillery positions entrenched behind the Lys just a couple a days earlier were whipped out this way). Fortunately for the regiment, at the time, the Luftwaffe had other priorities.

Conclusion: since Lt Col Wood clearly choose his regiment’s positions wisely, one can safely assume his RHQ (a.k.a. the ‘aviary’ farmhouse) to be located on an equally optimal site. I think I may just have found a site that could fit the profile provided by Ralph Wild's memoirs, but I still must put my new theory to the test. I also have a fairly good idea as to where the BCPs were located. I think I might have identified the one where Maj Cragg-Hamilton was killed on May 31st. In order to confirm this though, I would require additional details related to the circumstances of his death (I already have the information provided in 'Return via Dunkirk').

Meanwhile, I am posting a couple of photos taken during my last survey.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if you require a high-resolution copy.

Christian

 

The Camel belonged to 70 Squadron RFC in Poperinge. The large "N" is typical:


probables:
Incident Sopwith Camel , 24 Sep 1917
Incident Sopwith Camel , 18 Dec 1917

 

Ausgezeichnet! Vielen Dank!
I never expected this

Since the available information with regard to the 216.ID is quite limited, I purchased a copy of Martin Jenner's book 'Die Geschichte der 216./272. Infanterie-Division'. It should arrive next week by which time I hope to communicate some information related to the positions of this Division's regiments and the officers in command.

Also, since you are our trusted subject matter expert on Wehrmacht topics, I would welcome your feedback on following subjects.

Ralph Wild's refers in his personal memoirs to a 'Stork' (aircraft) observing British positions. He probably meant a Fieseler Fi 156, but this type of aircraft was usually used as a liaison aircraft at the time. I therefor strongly suspect, that the aircraft which was supporting the German artillery over Bulskamp, was more likely to have been a Henschel Hs 126. I don't know which Aufklärungsstaffel was allocated to the sector, but I do know that 4.(H)/22 was operating form a Feldflugplatz at Moorsele at the time. Any input on this would be very welcome.

Also, I learned form Wilfried Pauwels' book 'Onder vuur - De Westhoek in de Tweede Wereldoorlog' that the Germans had intercepted a British radio transmission by which they learned the British would withdraw from the whole eastern perimeter on June 1st at 02h30 a.m. Personally, I find this to be rather amazing! However, if confirmed, this would explain many things!
In his book's reference list, the author only refers to three German sources: 'Die Geschichte der 56.ID', H.A. Jacobsen's 'Dünkirchen' and 'Unser Weg zum Meer' by G.G. von Altenstadt. I only have Jacobsen's book in my library, and there is no mention of this. Perhaps you can shed some light on this?

MfG aus Belgien,
Christian

 

Christian,

For 'Unser Weg zum Meer' it is on worldcat.org, published first in 1941. NO copies shown in Belgium, several next door in the Netherlands. It is also an ebook? See: https://worldcat.org/title/52441056

The first book listed is not shown.

 

As it happens, I can help (Russisch-deutsches Projekt zur Digitalisierung deutscher Dokumente in den Archiven der Russischen Föderation | Akte 149. Unterlagen der Ia-Abteilung des Generalkommandos des IX. Armeekorps: Befehle, Weisungen und Meldungen des AOK 18, Notizen zu Telefongesprächen mit dem AOK u.a.):
According to an intercepted English [sic!] radio message, the remains of the English expeditionary corps are to be loaded onto three minesweepers at Bray-Dunes strand hotel tonight and at La Pannes from 1.6. at 2.30 a.m. German time.


More on the other questions later.
And of course I am very interested in the excerpts from the 216.ID book!

 

More excellent detective work!

 

More great photos and I look forward very much to reading what you have found out next. Easy for me, sat here while you’re doing all the work!

Knowing where 368 Bty was sited and in action is very personal and emotional for me and I know you had already indicated the location in the aerial shot in your post #58 on Friday. I cannot tell a lie, seeing that panoramic “conspicuous” view of St Charles today, as the Germans would have seen it, knowing that 368 was to the right of the windmill (left as we look at it in your photo), sent quite the tingle down my spine.

I thought I would also attach here the introduction to Ralph Wild’s book. I think, and I hope you agree, that some of the comments he makes are very interesting in the context of your thread:

 

If this type was mentioned by an eyewitness, it speaks for Fi 156, because this type was visually quite different from the Henschels, especially with the wings


They were used a lot at division level for direct battlefield surveillance and artillery observation.
In 1940, on the other hand, Henschels were still flying missions with cameras behind the front, because there was a noticeable shortage of reconnaissance aircraft for such tasks at that time.

 

Even the German soldier did not know the difference.

 

My money is on the "Storch" being a Hs 126. In 1940 this was the Luftwaffe's Army Cooperation aircraft for all tasks including artillery spotting. The Fieseler was just a liason aircraft at this juncture, although that changed as the war progressed.

 

I can only speculate on this but also live with a Hs 126 excellent
Fittingly I found a quite extensive collection of pictures of the 4./(H)22. Maybe there is something useful among them:
Aufklärungsgruppe 22

 

I would also put my money on an Henschel Hs 126. It was with this type of aircraft that German artillery fire was effectively directed during the Battle of the Lys a couple of days earlier. The observers in the back were trained in artillery protocols and had constant radio contact with the batteries on the ground, allowing those to apply swift corrections.

Also, I developed some caution as to Ralph Wild's aircraft recognition skills since I read following passage in his memoirs: "A little later on we saw a British plane - our first since the campaign began. It was a Hercules (sic), which had crash landed. It did not seem badly damaged and we hoped the pilot had got out safely."

 

During this last week, I focused mainly on the 92/Field Regiment since this unit was involved in almost every rearguard action around De Moeren and Bulskamp. It was therefore a logical (and productive) baseline to start this study. Some questions still remain unanswered as to the regiment’s activities though, especially the location of their HQ and BCPs. The inquiries I am conducting in that regard, however, may take some time (so stay tuned, I'll let you know what I come up with).

Consequently, in order to preserve our tread’s momentum, I now feel it’ time to switch focus and turn our attention to the combats which took place along the Bergues-Furnes canal (a.k.a. ‘Bergensevaart’ in Dutch). In order to provide some situational awareness, I made a second draft of my initial overview map based on the various new inputs I recently received. I am pretty confident of the accuracy as far as the British side is concerned; as for the Germans I hope the book I ordered will soon provide some answers as to how their units were deployed.



Between the 30th and 31st of May 1940, three major engagements took place along the Bergues-Furnes canal:

• The engagement at the Nieuwpoorthoek (bridge), position referred to as “the inconspicuous bump” by the 12th Lancers, located in the sector defended by 9/DLI and 1/KOSB (2/RUR may also have been involved).
• The engagement at ‘t Zwaantje, where the German pioneers took massive casualties. At present, I am uncertain as to which specific units which were involved there, but it would be safe to assume the 8/DLI took part in the combats.
• The engagement(s) at the Houthem Bridge, defended by the 8/DLI and the 4/Gordons. It would seem reinforcements were provided by contingents from various other units, but I have so far no idea as to the extent of their involvement in the combats: 4/Green Howards, 2/Royal Northumberland Fusiliers and 11/DLI.

I shall soon go on site and post pictures of the surroundings and discuss the characteristics of each of these locations. As always, every comment, input or feedback you may have would be most welcome.

Kind Regards,
Christian

 

The picture is supposed to show German sappers building a bridge at Houtem.

source: Orig. Foto Pioniere bei Brückenbau in HOUTEM Houthem Flandern Belgien 1940 | eBay

I did some rummaging and it could be the Vanhee's brug

(And maybe someone knows the strange vehicle?)
Source: ontdek de beelden

By the way, the site also has many old pictures of Bulskamp and the surrounding villages, maybe there are some useful ones for you

Here you find the 14. ID war diary entry for 31 May:
Russisch-deutsches Projekt zur Digitalisierung deutscher Dokumente in den Archiven der Russischen Föderation | Akte 151. Unterlagen der Ia-Abteilung der 14. Infanteriedivision: KTB der Division, 13.5.-3.10.1940.
(However, I fail at deciphering the handwriting)

 

Hallo Ollie,

Thank you for this quick reply!

One important ‘detail’ I should have emphasized earlier (sorry!): keep in mind that there are in fact three bridges along the Moersesteenweg in Houthem. The first (largest) crosses the Bergues-Furnes canal (Houtem Sas), whereas the other lays over the Ringsloot. The latter is easy to identify as the road takes a sudden, very sharp turn there (easily identifiable on a map).
Furthermore, I’ve learned that a local farmer owned his small ‘private’ bridge, allowing him to reach his fields on the other side of the canals with his horses and carriages. Your second picture seems to confirm this. This would indeed have meant extra worries for the defenders.The caption indicates that this bridge was blown up by the Germans, but I strongly doubt this as the capture of this third bridge would have been a God's sent for them.

For the British, keeping the Germans from crossing these bridges would have been vital. From a German perspective though, the distance between the two canals is the shortest at this point (approx. 400 m). Coming from the south, once the bridges crossed, they would have had direct access to the road leading straight to Adinkerke/De Panne (cfr. previous posts). It is my understanding that all bridges were blown up (when? by whom?) before the Germans reached them.

Enjoy your weekend,
Christian

 

Fascinating thread.

I should think that WO 361/41 will have further information on the DLI casualties or PoWs.

"British Expeditionary Force, France: The Durham Light Infantry; missing men
Ordering and viewing options
This record has not been digitised and cannot be downloaded.
You can order records in advance to be ready for you when you visit Kew. You will need a reader's ticket to do this. Or, you can request a quotation for a copy to be sent to you.
Book a visit Request a copy
Reference: WO 361/41
Description:
British Expeditionary Force, France: The Durham Light Infantry; missing men
Note: With photographs
Date: 1940 Jan 01 - 1944 Dec 31
Held by: The National Archives, Kew
Former reference in its original department: PD 103"


The Imperial War Museum have two tapes available online which might answer some questions.

Search for "Bullescamp".

Tapes start eventually, after an added "leader" tape and some high-pitched and loud tones - so keep volume low at start of the reel to avoid being deafened through earphones !

In the Harold Sell tape the subject starts about 13.50 minutes in Reel 8.

In the John March tape at about 20.15 in Reel 2.

{ I've only listened briefly.}